Snana Purnima, also known as Snana Yatra or Dev Snana Purnima, is a significant ritual observed at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. It marks the first public appearance of Lord Jagannath and his siblings before the grand Rath Yatra.
In 2025, this sacred festival had been celebrated on June 11 (Wednesday).
The importance of Snana Purnima
On this day, the deities—Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and the Sudarshana Chakra—are brought out from the temple sanctum and placed on an open platform called the Snana Mandap.
It’s one of the rare occasions when people of all backgrounds, including non-Hindus, are permitted to see the deities. That alone makes it rare and significant.
Rituals of Purification
The primary ritual involves bathing the deities with 108 pots of holy water. This water is drawn from a special golden well inside the temple, known as Suna Kua.
This act of bathing represents cleansing, renewal, and preparation, not only of the deities but symbolically of the world around them.
The Elephant Form: Hati Besha
After the bath, the deities are dressed in a unique attire called Hati Besha (elephant form). According to temple lores, Lord Jagannath once took the form of an elephant to fulfill a devotee’s wish. This dress-up honors that moment of grace and divine affection.
The Anasara Phase
Following the grand public darshan, the deities are believed to fall ill due to the heavy bathing. They are then kept in isolation for 15 days, a phase called Anasara.
During this time, no public viewing is allowed. The temple remains closed, and devotees wait eagerly for their return during Rath Yatra.
A Festival of Faith and Transformation
Snana Purnima is a moment of deep spiritual significance. It reminds us of the need for rest after ritual, the beauty of public devotion, and the joy of reconnecting with the divine in everyday form.
Feature Image Credit: Pinterest.